Outer Banks Brewing Station: Innovation Pioneers on the OBX

Eric and Aubrey had the goal of creating a restaurant that was also very involved in the community. Outer Banks Brewing Station is not only known for its beer, food, and music venue, but also for its involvement in the local Outer Banks community. The restaurant and its backyard have hosted many benefits for different people in the OBX community. About 25 community events are held every year at the Outer Banks Brewing Station, and the pub is very involved with the Surfrider Foundation and beach clean-ups.

“Being part of the community is always what we have tried to become, and I feel that we have achieved that.” 

Outer Banks Brewing Station Beer 

Outer Banks Brewing Station’s beer selection is constantly rotating. Eric works very closely with the head brewer, keeping the beer selection fresh by continually changing. They offer just one of their house-made brews all year-round: Olsch, which is a Kolsch style beer. At any time, their house-made beer menu will include wheat beer, brown ale, Saison, stout, and/or seasonal beers, such as Oktoberfest. During the summer of 2020, they brewed their first Perry, a gluten-free hard cider made using muscadine grapes, which grow on the fence in their backyard, and peaches. 

Don’t drink beer? Outer Banks Brewing Station makes their own soda. Choose from root beer, ginger beer, or orange creamsicle. 

”I think at this point the Beer Church here, is integrated into Outer Banks lore.”

From Pasture to Plate

The chef and the brewer at Outer Banks Brewing Station work closely together to use the beer in the food and vice versa. The chef may choose to use smoke malt in certain foods and prepare foods that can pair well with the beers currently on tap. 

When beer is made, there is a grain by-product created in the process. OBBS gives the grain by-product to a fifth-generation farmer in Elizabeth City, NC, who feeds it to his cattle. The Outer Banks Brewing Station then purchases the beef, by the entire cow, to serve at the restaurant. The menu includes traditional and creative dishes, and there are a variety of options for children and vegetarians. 

“We try to have that connection to food that many people have lost.” 

The Live Music Scene

The music scene at Outer Banks Brewing Station evolved organically, as they did not open the brewery and restaurant with intentions of being a nightclub. The genres of music were carefully selected, for example, back in 2002, they hosted a jazz fusion group with a live DJ when nearby places were offering party rock and covers. Bands with different styles of music have graced the stage at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. The Backyard has also hosted a fair share of bands or solo acoustic gigs.

Outer Banks Brewing Station’s COVID Response

Outer Banks Brewing Station currently operates at 50% capacity, and they check in all patrons at the door before allowing entry to the restaurant. The restaurant is spacious, so they are able to easily space out tables. Stools at the bar have been reduced and glass barriers have been installed to separate booth tables. 

Takeout and curbside pickup are currently available.

The backyard is more popular than ever before, as more events are being hosted outside. Outdoor seating in the backyard was already socially distanced. 

Check Out Local OBX Art Galleries 

Check out some of the Outer Banks’ unique art galleries while working up your appetite. Gallery Row, located just a few miles south of Outer Banks Brewing Station, has amazing local art and souvenirs. While you are exploring Gallery Row, be sure to stop by one of our favorites, Seaside Art Gallery.